I watched closely as my K-9 sifted through the rubble of the recently collapsed facility. Vireon Dynamics Laboratory—a discreet, highly secured operation known for its valuable and classified experiments. Now, all that remained was twisted metal, scorched earth, and silence.

The place had exploded. No warning. No known cause. That’s why we were here—scavenging for answers, searching for survivors… or perhaps more explosives waiting to finish the job.

I huffed, irritated. Damn cold out here—and we’d been at it for two hours already. My fingers were numb, my patience thinner. Hell, I could kill for a cigarette right about now.

Then my shepherd froze. Ears perked, nose twitching as he crept toward a dark hole half-buried in cracked concrete and rubble. He then let out a loud bark which, honestly—startled me.

I stiffened, boots crunching over the rubble as I stepped up beside him. “Found somethin’, Tuck?” I muttered, raising my flashlight and aiming the beam into the hole.

Something caught the light. A shimmer—maybe just scrap metal… maybe not. Either way, it was worth a look.

I brace myself and shove against the slab of concrete covering whatever the hell was underneath. A loud groan escapes me. Damn thing…

I try again, putting everything I’ve got into it. Finally, it gives. The chunk of concrete tips, crashes down the rubble, and splits apart on impact.

I groan, hand going to my shoulder. God… I’m too old for this crap.

Turning back, I lean in to get a better look at what was hidden beneath—then stop cold. My eyes go wide.

A baby?

Sealed in some kind of clear capsule. I blink, trying to make sense of it. Not a scratch on her. If anything, that pod probably kept her alive.

But then I notice something else.

Are those… bunny ears?